Cut Napa Kimchi Recalled for Listeria

Cut Napa Kimchi is being recalled over concerns the produce is contaminated with the dangerous, sometimes deadly, Listeria monocytogenes pathogen, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just announced. The Atlanta Oriental Food Wholesale Company of Atlanta, Georgia manufactured the potentially contaminated produce.

Atlanta Oriental is recalling its 1-gallon plastic containers of Cut Napa Kimchi and its 5-gallon buckets of Cut Napa Kimchi, which was distributed at Buford Highway Farmers Market in Doraville, Georgia as well as in 5-gallon buckets to companies in Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee.

The recalled Cut Napa Kimchi comes in a 1-gallon, clear plastic package and a 5-gallon bucket marked with lot # 56090959 on the side of the containers.

The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by Atlanta Oriental revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in 1-gallon containers of Cut Napa Kimchi. Production of the Cut Napa Kimchi has been suspended while FDA and Atlanta Oriental continue to investigate the source of the problem.

Consumers who have purchased 1-gallon containers and 5-gallon buckets of Cut Napa Kimchi with lot # 56090959 are urged to return the potentially tainted produce to the place of purchase in order to receive a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Tristan Thompson, Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm at 1.404.379.3333.

Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, which is potentially fatal. Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, abdominal cramps and pain, diarrhea, and nausea, and can also cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in those with weakened immune systems, such as infants, the elderly, and persons with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy. For susceptible people, listeriosis can cause significant illnesses linked to the central nervous system, including in the developing fetus. Listeriosis infects about 2,500 people in the U.S., killing 500 annually.

Listeria poisoning is of particular concern to pregnant women, who are 20 times likelier to be infected with listeriosis, which can kill fetuses, causing miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women. Listeriosis can also prompt premature births, can lead to hearing loss or brain damage in newborns, and can prompt neurological effects and cardio respiratory failure in adults.